Sara Sheaves-Ford, C.C.C., MACP, B.A.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy Practitioner

I believe in empowering individuals on their wellness journey, one step at a time.

Areas of Practice:

  • Child and Youth

  • Adult- Individual and Couples

  • Family Therapy

Areas of Special Interest:

  • Youth 

  • Families 

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Tourette Syndrome (Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics - CBIT)

Therapeutic Frameworks:

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT/EFFT)

Narrative Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 

Incorporates Elements of Play Based Therapy 

About Sara

Sara, a dedicated mental health therapist, holds a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychology. Her unwavering dedication to her clients, which is at the heart of her practice, is evident in her use of various modalities to create a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Each client is not just heard but truly understood and valued, a testament to Sara's compassion and commitment.

With a rich professional background, Sara has spent the last three years as a guidance counsellor for Fort McMurray Catholic School District, providing invaluable support at both the elementary and high school levels. Her 15 years of experience within AHS (Alberta Health Services) as a Child and Youth Development Specialist, supporting children and families in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, is a testament to her expertise. During this time, she worked closely with Dr. Goulden, a now-retired Developmental Paediatrician, to support neurodivergent clients and their families. Sara's passion for supporting families has been unwavering for the past 19 years, a testament to her dedication and commitment to her profession. 

Sara is also a certified Circle of Security Facilitator working towards becoming a fully registered play therapist. She also provides adult, youth, and family therapy. Maintaining a dynamic of respect is challenging for any family system. Family members are all very different people with varying needs and communication styles. Family counselling offers support for coping with changes and strains in the family unit. These commonly include:

  • Divorce

  • Blending families

  • Children leaving home

  • Young adults returning home

  • Death in the family

Sara will guide you in navigating new boundaries, understanding and expressing emotions, and learning new coping strategies using emotion and solution-focused approaches. As problems become manageable, openness begins to increase, and as a result, healthy patterns can begin to pave the way for a calmer, happier, healthier way forward. 

Sara is registered with several professional associations including:

  • The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA)

  • Registered C.C.C. with the Canadian Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) as a Certified Counsellor

  • Currently, Sara is actively pursuing professional development, completing two streams fo three to become a Registered Play Therapist with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT). This commitment to continuous learning and growth ensures that she is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care to her clients.